Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 VS Campfire Audio Alien Brain
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 and Campfire Audio Alien Brain use 1DD+6BA+2EST and 1DD+4BA driver setups respectively. Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 costs $1,000 while Campfire Audio Alien Brain costs $1,000. Campfire Audio Alien Brain holds a slight 0.3-point edge in reviewer scores (8.5 vs 8.8). Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 carries a user score of 8.5. Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 has significantly better mids with a 1-point edge and Campfire Audio Alien Brain has significantly better dynamics with a 2-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 | Campfire Audio Alien Brain |
|---|---|---|
| Mids | 8 | 7 |
| Treble | 8 | 8 |
| Soundstage | 8 | 8 |
| Dynamics | 6 | 8 |
| Tonality | 7.5 | 7.8 |
| Technicalities | 8 | 8 |
Jaytiss Reviews Comparison
Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 reviewed by
8.5
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
Build & accessories: Compact shell with a slightly old-school shape and flat 2-pin connectors, secure fit, and a nozzle some may find a bit much. The package includes Thieaudio’s large, sturdy case, multiple tips, a cleaning brush, and a fabric-sheathed stock cable with a solid chin slider and a durable Y-split. The cable’s modular plug system (2.5/3.5/4.4) locks in confidently and feels well made.
Sound: a neutral foundation with a dash of fun—clean upper mids, tasteful sparkle, and tight, articulate bass. Unit variance shows on graphs (his sample reads a bit bassier with slightly more treble vs other measurements), but the core tuning stays intact: rich mids, smooth presence, and airy extension that present music as natural, wide, and open. Versus Monarch MKIII, this MKII feels less bright and less fatiguing, with fuller mids. Compared to Annihilator 2023, MKII is flatter and more even (Annihilator hits harder and has a 10k zing some hear as “fake”). Against Lime Ears Tera, MKII is a touch warmer and easier; versus the pricier Europa, it tracks similarly on paper but wins on comfort and value; and it offers more body than budget darlings like Hexa, which can come off lean.
Verdict: a high-tier all-rounder prized for midrange timbre, air/detail, note weight, and imaging. It reads neutral-natural with just enough excitement to stay engaging over long sessions. Personal taste and fit still matter—always demo if possible—but within this preference space, Monarch MKII remains a special, well-balanced choice that continues to earn its spot among top IEMs.
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Campfire Audio Alien Brain reviewed by
8.8
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
Alien Brain arrives as a single-DD + 4BA hybrid around $1,000 with a truly peculiar shell: the rounded, “alien cortex” faceplate is magnetic, uses MMCX, and can be tricky to seat. The unboxing is lavish—two cables (including 4.4 mm), a compact magnetic leather case, a USB-C DAC/amp, foams plus “sticky” tips, cleaning tools, and extras. Fit is the hurdle; tip-rolling is essential, but once positioned correctly, comfort and seal fall into place.
Tonally, this set pursues a balanced, all-rounder tuning with a near-ideal bass shelf, lively but controlled upper mids, and sparkly yet composed treble. There’s punch and detail without drifting into fatigue; extension is strong, but staging isn’t the most expansive and note weight isn’t “thumpy”—this isn’t a bass-head cannon, more a clean, grounded presentation. The FR shows a touch of 1 kHz energy and smooth ripples through presence/air that favor natural timbre over hyper-etched brilliance, making it a long-session, non-fatiguing listen.
Versus Campfire’s own lineup, it’s far more normalized than the colorful Trifecta, better extended than the warm Axion, and closer in poise to Moon Rover but with a bit more bass and refinement. Compared to peers like Dunu Glacier or DA Mecca, Alien Brain trades V-shaped excitement for cohesive neutrality, and avoids the upper-mid glare that can scare off listeners. Net result: a strong recommendation for those who can manage the fit and want a high-end Campfire that does something new—not the classic house warmth, not sterile flatness, but a realistic, well-rounded signature with broad appeal.
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Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+6BA+2EST
Tuning Type: Neutral with Bass Boost
Brand: ThieAudio Top ThieAudio IEMs
Price (Msrp): $1,000
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Campfire Audio Alien Brain Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+4BA
Tuning Type: Neutral with Bass Boost
Brand: Campfire Top Campfire IEMs
Price (Msrp): $1,000
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Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A- Overall balance feels confident and refined, rewarding long listening sessions. A reliable all-rounder for everyday listening.
Average Technical Grade
A+- You get an articulate, polished performance with immersive stage depth and great control. There's a sense of polish across the whole spectrum.
Campfire Audio Alien Brain Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A- The response is even and composed, lending itself to effortless genre hopping. Voices sit comfortably in the mix.
Average Technical Grade
A+- The tuning feels expertly organized, marrying agile dynamics with well-defined spatial cues. Technical listeners will appreciate the poise.
Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 User Reviews
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You need to be signed in to write your own reviewMy vocal magic
Pros
Vocals that make you smile. THE most musical set for me.Cons
Bass is okay for the price. Very occasional upper-mid sharpnessCampfire Audio Alien Brain User Reviews
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Cons
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